Commercial Poker Tools Top-10 Poker Simulation Software (Win): Turbo Poker Series Wilson Software, unsurprisingly, carries the most comprehensive list of glowing reviews (from Mike Caro, Lou Krieger, etc.) for the best commercial poker simulation currently available: Turbo Poker. But if that doesn't sway you, perhaps the unbiased recommendation from rec.gambling.poker's FAQ will. Poker Simulation Software (Mac): iPoker iPoker (also recommended in the FAQ above and previously known as "PowerPoker") won an award for Best Sports Game. For more details, check out the Macworld.com review (about half way down the page).
Poker Analyzer AND Simulation: Poker Academy Pro
This well rounded poker tool is backed by some of the best research available, from the University of Alberta. It has been repeatedly praised for its excellent AI (artificial intelligence), including on the PokerNews.com site. They claim this program has "infinite playability". Poker Analyzer (DOS): Poker Probe Created by Mike "Mad Genius" Caro, Poker Probe works as both a hand analyzer and simulator, and is frequently mentioned in use by the columnists at CardPlayer.com as well as many posters on the RGP and 2 2 forums. Poker Analyzer (Win): PokerWiz Mentioned as one of several tools that can provide an edge in online gambling, PokerWiz is available in Windows only. Here's what one RGP poster had to say on the difference between Poker Probe and PokerWiz. We believe it merits a place on this list as an alternative for those folk who don't want to use a DOS program. Watch for PokerWiz II coming soon. Poker Statistics Software (Win): StatKing Maryann Guberman explains her claim that StatKing tracks your entire poker life in a column that covers several tools mentioned on this list such as Wilson's Turbo Poker, Poker Probe, and PokerWiz. Poker Entertainment (Win/Mac): World Series of Poker Adventure SmarterBet's review captures the general response to this software game from Masque in which you try to enter and win the WSOP at Binions: it's a lot of fun but shouldn't be considered a serious tool. So why did we include it here? It makes the list for its pure entertainment value. Not all poker players want serious tools. And above all, we can't forget why we like to play poker- because it's fun. Home Tournament Organizer : Poker Tournament Manager Organizing a home poker tournament can be a real challenge. But software such as the Poker Tournament Manager makes the process easier and faster. A handy feature is the ability to automatically re-balance the tables as players are eliminated. You can even post results on the internet for free. It's difficult to locate other independent reviews for this type of software, but TomDownload.com does give it 5/5 stars.
Note: This tool won't help you improve your game other than in general making it a little easier to practice live tournament play from the comfort of home. Poker Coaches and Schools Bob Ciaffone is a famous poker coach and writer who's available online and over the phone. Mike Caro's teaching is available via different sources: his own Mike Caro University (in California) and via the new PokerSchoolOnline (offered via PokerPages). Another service is offered through Pokercoaching's site with Jim Bucci and Bill Seymour. Poker Books: our Top-10 list of the Best Alongside our picks, we also provide links to other lists of the best poker books by well-regarded poker commentators, players, and fellow aficionados.
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